Maldives 1st part; Hulhumale Morning Tour & Himmafushi Short Visit

Filipinos (and all other nationalities) are visa fee free of charge and visa on arrival in Republic of Maldives with requirements of confirmed hotel accommodation and return ticket. After 2 adventurous days in Sri Lanka, I set-off to night of flight to Hulhule Island, where the Maldives main airport is located.

Upon touchdown, I immediately looked for the Passport Control lane. During my moment with the Officer, I was surprised I was interrogated because I never thought they will be that strict. Maybe because of my local looks or maybe there's a historical record for a Philippine passport holder. Anyways, he asked the following; Why your passport has many stamps? Are you here for work or holiday? (I did not react, nor give him the eye contact), Why going to Maldives, How many days? Can you show me your return ticket? After around 5 minutes, he gave back my passport then I proceed to baggage x-ray. Again, another Officer interrogated me. Same set of questions but this time he asked for confirmed booking accommodation copy. He even told me how much was the booking, I pointed out its in the copy. After 2 minutes I'm already at the money exchange section for small amount of dollar exchange to local currency.

How to go from Hulhule Island (Maldives Airport) to Hulhumale Island;

From airport exit, just turn left and look for the bus signboard with schedule posted. Bus fare is 16mvr with 1 hour departure interval and 30 minute travel time. My 2 nights stays is on Fuana Inn, where I booked for a promo Deluxe beachfront room of $110 in total (tax and service charge included).

Hulhumale Morning Tour (just infront of my accommodation)

Maldives Airport arrival at night (visa stamps)

Maldives Airport arrival at night (bus schedule)

Hulhumale Morning Tour (just infront of my accommodation)

Hulhumale Morning Tour (just infront of my accommodation)

Hulhumale Morning Tour (the walk)

Hulhumale Morning Tour (the walk)

Hulhumale Morning Tour (the walk)

Hulhumalé or Hulhulemale is a reclaimed island located in the south of North Male Atoll, Maldives. The artificial island was reclaimed to establish a new land mass required to meet the existing and future housing, industrial and commercial development demands of the Malé region. Hulhumalé is currently underutilized relative to other central atolls in the Maldives. It would take the lead of the government to improve utilization by moving government ministers, government departments and public institutions to Hulhumalé and assisting public servants with relocation costs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hulhumal%C3%A9

Himmafushi is one of the inhabited islands of Kaafu Atoll. It is located in North Malé Atoll. Himmafushi, a local island geographically recognized for its world famous surfing and diving spots.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himmafushi_%28Kaafu_Atoll%29